The suspenseful thriller “Red Eye”, featuring renowned actors Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams, is set to air on ITV tonight, promising to send shivers down the spine of viewers and instil a newfound fear of airports and plane journeys.

The film follows the story of Lisa Reisert, portrayed by Rachel McAdams, who after attending her grandmother’s funeral finds herself in an airport waiting for her flight back home to resume her role as a hotel manager.

It’s here that she encounters the charismatic yet mysterious Jackson Rippner, played by Cillian Murphy.

An apparent spark between the two leads Lisa to believe it’s destiny when she ends up seated next to him on the flight. However, the narrative takes a chilling twist when Lisa realises this encounter was not coincidental but part of a malevolent plot.

Rippner has boarded the plane with a terrifying objective – to assassinate the head of Homeland Security. To execute his lethal plan, he requires Lisa to change the room assignment of the official at the hotel she manages.

Adding to the high-stakes scenario, Rippner has taken Lisa’s father, acted by Brian Cox, hostage, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/taut-thriller-leaves-fans-never-36472472″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

The thriller, helmed by horror maestro Wes Craven, proved a respectable commercial performer, raking in $95,577,774 million from a $26 million production budget. Critics responded favourably to the picture, highlighting its “solid performances” and “tight direction”.

Yet star Cillian Murphy offered a more reserved assessment of the finished product, whilst acknowledging Rachel McAdams’ contribution. He said: “I love Rachel McAdams and we had fun making it but I don’t think it’s a good movie. It’s a good B movie.”

The picture maintains a robust 80 per cent approval score on film review platform Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer said: “When taking place at the airport and on a plane, “Red Eye” is pitch perfect.

“The cloistered space and confined quarters ratchets up the suspense, often to uncomfortable (but welcomed) levels.”

A second noted: “Craven shows he still knows how to ratchet up the tension – chiefly using claustrophobic camera angles – and conjure up images and scenarios that are the stuff of nightmares.”

Whilst another wrote: “The psychological mind-games are played to the hilt, the pressurised cabin air increases the edge-of-the-seat tension and the 85-minute flight time is gratifyingly short.”

Viewers have expressed varying opinions about Red Eye. One fan said: “Red Eye delivers a gripping political-thriller concept with solid tension and engaging conflict, though some character decisions and dialogues strain believability.

“The emotional manipulation between Lisa and Jackson feels forced, given his cold-blooded persona, and minor characters, like the flight attendant, lack realism. Despite its logical gaps, the film remains an entertaining pick for thriller enthusiasts.”

Another added: “Sneaky, lying, scrapes at your heart, thriller and definitely lives up to the ‘sinister’ label. The Irish bloke, Cillian Murphy is totally convincing as the sinister would-be kidnapper … but we can’t say more. Look carefully to spot, another bloke, Brian Cox, but so young, you won’t recognize, enjoy!”.

However, a third viewer found the storyline entirely unconvincing. They said: “Completely unrealistic, zero plot, every decision made in the movie was not one anyone would actually make. I’m blown away how anyone could think this was a good movie. Love both actors though!”.

You can make your own mind up about Red Eye as the film is airing at 9pm on ITV1 on Friday, December 2.

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